Visiting Angels Honored by the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce

Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce
Business Excellence Award Winner

The Business Excellence Award is presented to 25 businesses by the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce who show exemplary commitment to their community and strive to improve the quality of life for the people of Southern Nevada. On Thursday, October 30, Visiting Angels was chosen by a committee of several business and community leaders within Las Vegas to receive the Business Excellence Award for their service to the community. The award ceremony was held at the Green Valley Ranch.

Award for Excellence

Visiting Angels is a senior home care agency that helps clients remain independent in their own home. This commitment to helping improve the quality of life for the elderly and their loved ones is just one reason that they have risen as Trailblazers within Las Vegas. For example, they assist with items like personal hygiene, dressing, meal preparation, light housekeeping, even transportation to doctor appointments and more. Clients find that their services are more affordable than other options like moving a family member into an assisted living facility.

Operating since 2000, Visiting Angels now has offices in Las Vegas as well as Henderson and have over 270 caregivers who assist seniors all across the Vegas Valley. In keeping with their mission of “...restoring hope through assisting in healing the emotional, spiritual and physical well-being of the individual”. Visiting Angels participates with several local organizations such as the SNCCA, the Nevada Lifespan Respite Care Coalition and sponsors many senior health events like the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk.

The Business Excellence Award which has been honoring local Las Vegas businesses for their diversity, creativity and ingenuity of the local business community since 2006. Visiting Angels is honored to accept the award and will continue to strive to help the elderly community and their families in any way that they can.

Exercise Tips for Seniors

It’s never too late to begin enjoying the benefits of physical exercise. In fact, older adults who have experienced a decline in physical activity due to certain age-related disorders may benefit most of all. Physical fitness doesn’t have to mean hours of strenuous work at the gym. For most people it’s simply about developing a healthier lifestyle; one that includes more physical activity and better nutritional choices. Let’s take a closer look at the positive effects of exercise.

Benefits

A regular exercise routine does far more than just help us look younger and build muscle; it is also good for our mental health, lowering our risk of disease, and maintaining our independence as we grow older. Senior citizens who incorporate a fitness plan into their daily lives will not only improve their bone density and muscle mass, but will also greatly improve their immune system, blood pressure, and heart-health. Daily exercise can even help lower the risk of chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.

Other added benefits include better sleep, greater self-confidence, and even improved memory. On a physical level, what we’re looking to improve is strength, balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Even those who are chair-bound can participate in exercises that will enhance their range of motion and improve their overall quality of life. Below is a list of popular exercises for seniors.

Walking

Walking is a great low-impact exercise that is simple and fun to do. Choose a good pair of walking shoes with plenty of cushion and support. Be mindful of your posture, and breathe deep into your lungs. This will do wonders for delivering oxygen throughout your entire body and increasing your blood flow. Take a walk in nature to help relieve stress. Create a goal of around 30 minutes or more a few days a week, and be sure to stretch those leg muscles when you return.

Swimming

Swimming is another exercise that is easy on your joints and bones, and therefore lowers the risk of injury. Aside from the relaxing sensation of floating in water, you’ll drastically improve strength, endurance, and range of motion. Keep it fun by learning new strokes. You will soon discover that this gentle activity can be a total-body workout.

Yoga/chair yoga

Yoga is so much more than impossible-looking poses and strange chants. The benefits include increased strength and muscle tone, along with greater balance and stress relief. Even those confined to a chair can benefit from this harmony of stretching and strength-training. Learn yogic breathing to improve your lung function, ease digestion, and remove harmful toxins from your body. Regardless of your age or physical condition, there is a yoga program that is suitable for you.  Here in Southern Nevada, you can find a helpful program through Henderson's Senior Center or at Las Vegas's newly remodeled Derfelt Senior Center.

Contact Visiting Angels

By improving our fitness, we can improve our quality of life and continue doing the things we enjoy well into our golden-years. If you or an aging loved-one is in need of support, contact Visiting Angels by calling 702-407-1100. Our professional aides will be more than happy to assist you in developing a personalized fitness routine

A Tip For The Elderly: How to Combat Depression

Depression can affect an individual at any age and any stage in their life, but the elderly face a variety of additional issues that exacerbate their emotional distress. Everyone feels down at times during their life, but when these feelings are ongoing and affect other aspects of the person’s life, a clinical conditions known as depression may be taking hold. For those who are elderly, or have an elderly loved one, it is important to know what help is out there to combat depression and move forward in a healthy, positive way.

The Signs of Depression

As stated previously, simply feeling down for a short period of time is normal, but depression is a condition that lasts longer and affects every aspect of an individual’s life. Depression and feelings of sadness do go hand in hand, but many seniors may feel depressed without feeling sad. Therefore, look for other symptoms like lethargy, fatigue, losing interest in hobbies or pastimes, withdrawing socially, changes to one’s appetite, and changes to the sleep schedule. By themselves, these side effects may not lead to depression, but they are linked with this condition.

Where to Start

The first thing to remember is that depression is not a passing mood. Emotional distress is often the beginning, as lingering depression provokes suicidal thoughts, worsening of other illnesses, and a negative impact on relationships. The elderly, as well as those closest to them, can start by focusing on things they can change immediately. Diet, physical activity (when possible), and a good sleep schedule will keep the body producing and balancing hormones naturally.

Finding Support

It's all too easy for anyone struggling with depression to completely withdraw from hobbies, friends, and family. This is when outside support becomes necessary. Close friends and family members comprise the sufferer's immediate support network, and should try to remain in the individual’s life as much as possible, showing support in every way imaginable. Whether it is planning meals together, creating a schedule to get out of the home, going on walks, or simply lending an ear. It is these small steps that can become pivotal during this process.

Know When to Get Help

One of the biggest problems with depression is the fact that those struggling with it are unsure of when or where to get help. Some may hope that their mood improves over the coming days while others are lethargic about seeking out assistance. When depressed feelings extend weeks or even months and affect one’s physical health, emotional stability, and relationships, it is time to seek out professional assistance.

If you are an elderly person struggling with the symptoms of depression, or if you know an elderly person who is, please call Visiting Angels home health care professionals at 702-562-3322 so we can help you find the right support. Visiting Angels cares about our seniors.

Signs That May Suggest It's Time For Assisted Living

You elderly parents want to remain as independent as possible throughout their lives. Eventually, it becomes the responsibility of the adult child to make sure that they receive adequate care into the sunset of life. It might not be feasible to place the parent into a nursing home or retirement facility. This is where home health services can be the answer.

Silent Signals Your Parent Is In Trouble At Home

Despite their best efforts, your parents may inadvertently reveal the need for special home care services.  There are a few tell tale signs you can look for, even if your parent insists he or she flourishes independently.

1. You visit your parent and find evidence of things being broken. This could be due to them falling from dizzy spells or loss of balance upon standing.

2. Unexplained bruising. Another sign of evidence of falling.

3. Exterior damage to your parent’s automobile. This might be due to driving over a curb or hitting something due to misjudgment.

4. Smoky or smell of something overcooked in the home. Serious evidence that your parent could be having problems preparing meals.

5. Prescription medications missing or dropped on the floor by mistake. Sometimes this happens and the parent is unable to bend or squat to retrieve the medicine.

6. Missing scheduled physician appointments. This might be due to hearing loss and unable to hear information over the phone clearly.

7. Depression and Despair. This is common among seniors. They become lonely without companionship and support at home. This is very serious and can lead to greater psychological problems.

8. Denial by the parent that they need help when signs show that they do.

9. Unpaid bills or a utility is cut off at the home. This can be serious. It is a priority that all senior citizens have adequate utilities to carry out their daily activities. Failure of making an insurance payment can lead to termination of the policy so it is important to stay up to date on a parent’s finances.

10. Everyday, routine cleaning shows signs that help is needed. This usually starts with excessive trash building up in the home. Unwashed dishes gathering in the kitchen and dining area. Clothes being piled up but never washed. Unmade beds and dirty bathrooms can be another source of evidence.

If you are notice any of the above signs with your aging parent, it could be time to consider hiring a home healthcare service. Visiting Angels is an assisted living service here in Las Vegas and Henderson that can provide the care your parent needs at home.   Our list of home services includes meal preparation, light housekeeping and companionship among other, important services.

Give us a call today 702-562-3322 to find out more about our home services for your elderly parent.

Elderly at Risk for Serious Falls

Falls can be a problem that lead to moderate or serious injuries for elderly adults. Sometimes, falls can be a symptom linked to the diagnosis of a physical condition, chronic disease or medical ailment. As an individual grows older, so too does their risks for falls, fractures and injuries escalate. The following are the facts and dangers of falling.

The Statistics

Approximately one in three adults over the age of 65 experience a fall every year. Unfortunately less than half of the victims fail to speak to their physician about the problem. Falls are the primary cause of non-fatal and fatal injuries in this population range.

Important Risk Factors

There are a number of risk factors that contribute to a fall. From muscle weakness, poor eyesight, and the lack of flexibility to hypertension, confusion and medications. Poor health can be the leading cause of falls. Most falls seem to happen at home simple on account of unsuspecting triggers like unhinged stair rails, loose rugs, slippery floors and poorly-lit entryways.

Is There More to a Fall?

While a fall could be just an act of clumsiness, it could also be a sign of a medical problem. It’s best to speak to your physician after any type of fall, so they can evaluate your condition for an infection, cardiovascular problems, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s disease or any other chronic ailment. It could also be caused by an existing condition or current medication.

Common Outcomes from a Fall

While outcomes like bruising or mild discomfort may seem moderate after a fall, over thirty percent of elderly people who take a tumble experience more serious injuries like fractures in the pelvis, hand, wrist, leg and hip. However, traumatic brain injuries make up as much as forty-five percent of falls in older adults.

Tips for Prevention

You can play a proactive role in protecting yourself from falls, especially as you age. The number one method of protection comes in the form of exercise. Tai Chi, yoga, walking, biking and strength training can help weak limbs become stronger and more supportive. They can also help improve balance. Medications can also have some serious side effects that may cause sleepiness and dizziness, rendering an individual more likely to fall. Your physician may be able to tweak your pharmaceutical dosages if you encounter any problems. Eliminating tripping hazards at home can help prevent falls, so remove clutter and debris. You can also assess your lighting around stairways, entryways and outdoor patios and driveways. Vision is an essential piece in preventing falls. An eye exam can determine the health of your eyes. You should also wear your glasses or contacts as recommended to see clearly.

We at Visiting Angels in Las Vegas are committed to helping you care for your elderly loved ones.  We pride ourselves on bringing you facts and tips like how to prevent falls so that our seniors retain their independence and dignity.  For more information about our services, call today 702-562-3322.

What Is Arthritis And How Does It Affect The Body

Arthritis is inflammation in the joints resulting from a variety of different causes including diseases, infections, and genetic defects. The inflammation can cause pain and stiffness in one or more joints, as well as swelling in the surrounding tissues. Arthritis pain typically worsens with age and can greatly affect one's quality of life if not managed properly.

The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the cartilage in the joints. As we age, the cartilage that surrounds our bones starts to wear down, thus resulting in bone surfaces rubbing against one another and causing pain and discomfort. It typically affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips, but can also wreak havoc on other areas of the body like the fingers and elbows. One suffering from osteoarthritis is at risk of developing bone spurs which are growths on the bone that can cause muscle and nerve damage.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the lining of the joints, referred to as the synovial membrane. As the membrane gets worn down, the cartilage and bone in the joint becomes severely weakened and eventually destroyed. Parts of the body that are typically affected by rheumatoid arthritis are the fingers, wrists, elbows, and knees, although the disease can also affect other areas of the body like the lungs, eyes, and skin. Women between the ages of 30 and 50 are at the highest risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis, although it affects men and the elderly as well.

Severe arthritis can make it extremely difficult to perform daily tasks such as bathing, getting dressed, preparing meals, or running errands. Visiting Angels can help assist your loved one with a variety of different tasks in the comfort of their own home. Our fully-trained, compassionate homecare providers will work with your family to develop a plan to suit the individualized needs of your loved one. Our caregivers are flexible and will work around your schedule to provide the most positive experience for you and your loved one. Visiting Angels is here to make living with arthritis more manageable and to improve your loved one's quality of life.

Early Warning Signs: When to Call the Doctor About Alzheimer's

Alzheimer’s disease is a complex, progressive, and irreversible brain disorder that attacks both memory and judgment. Not only does this disease cripple one’s ability to carry out common, everyday tasks, but it is also incredibly dangerous if left untreated. Although there is no known cure, there are options for slowing the effects and improving the quality of life if recognized early enough. Below is a list of the most common warning signs and how to proceed.


Memory loss that interferes with daily life

This is probably the most common sign of the Alzheimer’s disease. Everyone forgets things from time to time, but if you notice it happening on a consistent basis it may be a major warning sign. Things to look for in particular are: difficulty with remembering important dates and special events, forgetting to pay bills, getting lost easily, or constantly needing to be reminded of the same thing over and over.

Changes in personality

Quite often, people with Alzheimer’s will undergo severe changes in mood and personality. They may become easily disturbed at home or at work for no good reason. You may even notice them become suspicious, fearful, worried, or even violent towards friends and loved ones.

Disorientation and constant confusion

A normal person might occasionally forget what day of the week it is, but people with Alzheimer’s deeply struggle to grasp the passage of time. Calendar dates and understanding the changing of seasons might easily confuse them. They may also struggle to accomplish simple, everyday tasks such as getting dressed, tying their shoes, or cooking meals. Disorientation is also very typical. People with Alzheimer’s can easily get lost in their own neighborhood or struggle to figure out where they are and how they got there.

Lack of hygiene and social withdrawal

Often times the most common symptoms are the most obvious ones. Because they are confused by everyday tasks, people with Alzheimer’s may stop bathing, combing their hair, brushing their teeth, or even dressing appropriately. They may fail to recognize close friends and family and therefore give up on social activities or their favorite hobbies.

Misplacing things

It is common for people with Alzheimer’s to put things in strange places. They might place their shoes in the oven and even accuse you of stealing from them. Normal people often misplace things now and again, but the major difference is that Alzheimer’s sufferers lack the ability to logically retrace their steps and locate things.

Seek help early

Attempting to diagnose a loved one or someone in your care with Alzheimer’s disease can be an incredibly difficult and emotional task. Knowing the warning signs and seeking professional help early is crucial in dealing with this disease. For more information call the Visiting Angels staff today at 800-365-4189.